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Executive Order 9066 Repeal, 2/19/76 (1)
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4644489
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Executive Order 9066 Repeal, 2/19/76 (1)
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Myron B. Kuropas Files (Ford Administration)
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Relocation of Japanese Americans, 1942-1945
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1976-03-31
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1976
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1976-02-01
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The original documents are located in Box 10, folder "Executive Order 9066 - Repeal (1)" of the Myron B. Kuropas Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford. donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to these materials. 206-352-1424 THURSTON URBAN LEAGUE COMMITTEE P. O. BOX 2888 OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98507 February 10, 1976 Mr. Gerald Ford The President The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: The totally unjustified uprooting and imprisonment during World War II of all Pacific Coast residents of Japanese ancestry is generally recognized by historians as one of the darkest chapters in American history. It is disturbing to note, that, despite the passage of over thirty years, former President Franklin D. Roosevelt's infamous Executive Order 9066 which authorized the perpetration of that outrage against innocent Japanese Americans still remains in effect as one of the laws of our nation. By any standard of common sense or reason, revocation of that Order has long been overdue. As a part of the Bicentennial Celebration of the founding of our nation, an announcement by you rescinding that Order would help to remove some of the tarnish on the record of America's treatment of its non-white minorities. The significance of such an announcement would probably be enhanced if it could be made on February 19, 1976, on the 34th anniversary of the issuance of the Order. Respectfully Yours, LIBRARY nam Chu Pearl Thurston County Urban League SENATE Nam Chu Pearl, 1st Vice President NP/llk CC: Mrs. Gwen Anderson Deputy Assistant to Counselor Hartmann West Wing - Basement The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Mr. Dudley Chapman Associate Counsel to the President The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 19, 1976 OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY THE WHITE HOUSE REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT UPON THE SIGNING OF A PROCLAMATION FORMALLY RECOGNIZING EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066 AS NULL AND VOID THE CABINET ROOM 11:54 A.M. EST February 19th is the anniversary of a very, very sad day in American history. It was on that date in 1942 that Executive Order 9066 was issued resulting in the uprooting of many, many loyal Americans. Over 100,000 persons of Japanese ancestry were removed from their homes, detained in special camps and eventually relocated. We now know what we should have known then -- not only was that evacuation wrong, but Japanese-Americans were and are loyal Americans. On the battlefield and at home the names of Japanese-Americans have been and continue to be written in America's history for the sacrifices and the contributions they have made to the well-being and to the security of this, our common Nation. Executive Order 9066 ceased to be effective at the end of World War II but there was no formal statement of its termination. There remains some concern among Japanese-Americans that there yet may be some life in that obsolete document. The proclamation I am signing here today should remove all doubt on that matter. I call upon the American people to affirm with me the unhyphenated American promise that we have learned from the tragedy of that long ago experience -- forever to treasure liberty and justice for each individual American and resolve that this kind of error shall never be made again. END (AT 11:56 A.M. EST) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 19, 1976 Office of the White House Press Secretary THE WHITE HOUSE AN AMERICAN PROMISE FORD LIBRARY BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION In this Bicentennial Year, we are commemorating the anniversary dates of many of the great events in American history. An honest reckoning, however, must include a recognition of our national mistakes as well as our na- tional achievements. Learning from our mistakes is not pleasant, but as a great philosopher once admonished, we must do so if we want to avoid repeating them. February 19th is the anniversary of a sad day in American history. It was on that date in 1942, in the midst of the response to the hostilities that began on December 7, 1941, that Executive Order No. 9066 was issued, subsequently enforced by the criminal penalties of a statute enacted March 21, 1942, resulting in the uprooting of loyal Americans. Over one hundred thousand persons of Japanese ancestry were removed from their homes, detained in special camps, and eventually relocated. The tremendous effort by the War Relocation Authority and concerned Americans for the welfare of these Japanese- Americans may add perspective to that story, but it does not erase the setback to fundamental American prin- ciples. Fortunately, the Japanese-American community in Hawaii was spared the indignities suffered by those on our mainland. We now know what we should have known then -- not only was that evacuation wrong, but Japanese-Americans were and are loyal Americans. On the battlefield and at home, Japanese-Americans -- names like Hamada, Mitsumori, Marimoto, Noguchi, Yamasaki, Kido, Munemori and Miyamura -- have been and continue to be written in our history for the sacrifices and the contributions they have made to the well-being and security of this, our common Nation. The Executive order that was issued on February 19, 1942, was for the sole purpose of prosecuting the war with the Axis Powers, and ceased to be effective with the end of those hostilities. Because there was no for- mal statement of its termination, however, there is concern among many Japanese-Americans that there may yet be some life in that obsolete document. I think it appropriate, in this our Bicentennial Year, to remove all doubt on that matter, and to make clear our commitment in the future. more 2 NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim that all the authority conferred by Executive Order No. 9066 termi- nated upon the issuance of Proclamation No. 2714, which formally proclaimed the cessation of the hostilities of World War II on December 31, 1946. I call upon the American people to affirm with me this American Promise -- that we have learned from the tragedy of that long-ago experience forever to treasure liberty and justice for each individual American, and resolve that this kind of action shall never again be repeated. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundredth. GERALD R. FORD ##### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 19, 1976 Office of the White House Press Secretary THE WHITE HOUSE AN AMERICAN PROMISE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION In this Bicentennial Year, we are commemorating the anniversary dates of many of the great events in American history. An honest reckoning, however, must include a recognition of our national mistakes as well as our na- tional achievements. Learning from our mistakes is not pleasant, but as a great philosopher once admonished, we must do so if we want to avoid repeating them. February 19th is the anniversary of a sad day in American history. It was on that date in 1942, in the midst of the response to the hostilities that began on December 7, 1941, that Executive Order No. 9066 was issued, subsequently enforced by the criminal penalties of a statute enacted March 21, 1942, resulting in the uprooting of loyal Americans. Over one hundred thousand persons of Japanese ancestry were removed from their homes, detained in special camps, and eventually relocated. The tremendous effort by the War Relocation Authority and concerned Americans for the welfare of these Japanese- Americans may add perspective to that story, but it does not erase the setback to fundamental American prin- ciples. Fortunately, the Japanese-American community in Hawaii was spared the indignities suffered by those on our mainland. We now know what we should have known then -- not only was that evacuation wrong, but Japanese-Americans were and are loyal Americans. On the battlefield and at home, Japanese-Americans -- names like Hamada, Mitsumori, Marimoto, Noguchi, Yamasaki, Kido, Munemori and Miyamura -- have been and continue to be written in our history for the sacrifices and the contributions they have made to the well-being and security of this, our common Nation. The Executive order that was issued on February 19, 1942, was for the sole purpose of prosecuting the war with the Axis Powers, and ceased to be effective with the end of those hostilities. Because there was no for- mal statement of its termination, however, there is concern among many Japanese-Americans that there may yet be some life in that obsolete document. I think it appropriate, in this our Bicentennial Year, to remove all doubt on that matter, and to make clear our commitment in the future. more 2 NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim that all the authority conferred by Executive Order No. 9066 termi- nated upon the issuance of Proclamation No. 2714, which formally proclaimed the cessation of the hostilities of World War II on December 31, 1946. I call upon the American people to affirm with me this American Promise that we have learned from the tragedy of that long-ago experience forever to treasure liberty and justice for each individual American, and resolve that this kind of action shall never again be repeated. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundredth. GERALD R. FORD ##### FORD TREATMENT R. al PACIFIC to NATIONA CITIZEN et. 0- et Membership Publication: Japanese American Citizens League, 125 Weller St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90012; (213) MA 6-6936 al Published Weekly Except First and Last Weeks of the Years Second Class Postage Paid at Los Angeles, Calif. V- he VOL. 82 NO. 8 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1976 Subscription Rate per Year 15 CENTS U.S. $7. Foreign $11 be ys n- n- fa- n- Exec. Order 9066 erased X- ISS id- eir Nisei civil service worker seeks retirement credit for stay in camp 000 000 OAKLAND. Calif.-A number ent law which only provides 000 of bills appear in Congress credit to any federal em- 300 calling for crediting of time ployee as of July 15, 1952. spent by Japanese Americans Public support is needed, in World War II internment Ono said, to get the measure and detention camps under onto the floor. Those wishing the Federal Civil Service Re- to seek additional information tirement System, according to may write him at 3814 Ran- Rep. Norman Mineta (D- delph Ave., Oakland 94602, or ,500 Calif.). who is author of one, with any of the legislators HR 8823. who have introduced bills on ,500 1,000 6,500 1,400 0.000 7,997 1,000 9,897 es an Citizens Leagu Island Ave. D. 20036 Kashu Mainichi California Daily News 346 East First St., Los Angeles 90012 MA 6-1168 THURS., FEB. 19, 1970 Pres. Ford officially kills Executive Order 9066 WASHINGTON (UPI)- Presi- camps. dent Ford signed a proclamation We know now that Executive today terminating the executive Order was wrong and the Japa- order which led to the uprooting nese-Americans were and are of more than 100,000 Japanese- loyal,' he said. Americans during WW II, forcing Ford said that although the them to live in camps during the order ceased to be effective after hostilities with Japan. WW II. there was some concern ENDS EVACUATION ORDER-Pres. Ford shakes hands with Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, at the White House today after signing a proclama- tion terminating the executive order which led to the uprooting of more than 00,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, forcing them to live in camps during World War II, At right is Rep. Patsy T. Mink and in background are Helen Kawagoe and Atty. Gen. Edward Levi, -UPI HOKUBEI MAINICHI The Sanwa Bank of California San Francisco Main Office — (415) 397-6000 San Jose Office - (408) 998-0800 7.50, One Year $34.00 NORTH AMERICAN DAILY Oakland Office - (415) 444-5636 15 Cents Per Copy cisco Street, San Francisco, California 94115, P. O. Box 3321, San Francisco, California 94119 Phone: Office - 567-7323 Editorial - 567-7324 FRIDAY, FEB, 20, 1976 PRESIDENT FORD SIGNS PROCLAMATION 34 YEARS AFTER FATEFUL FEB. 19, 1942 9066 Abolished Finally WASHINGTON (UPI) - Pre- He said that on Feb. 19, 1942, ter WW II, there was some con- sident Ford signed a proclama- Executive Order 9066 was sign- cern that it could be invoked tion Thursday terminating the ed and resulted in the movement again. executive order which led to the of more than 100,000 Japanese- In this Bicentennial Year, uprooting of more than 100,000 Americans "who were removed Ford said, there must be "an Japanese-Americans during WW from their homes and placed in honest reckoning of our na- II. forcing them to live in camps camps." tional mistakes as well as our lapanese radio to a shotgun blast. rights while the United can Citizens Leagu Island Ave. D.C. 20036 Kashu Mainichi FORD ABSERT California Daily News 346 East First St., Los Angeles 90012 MA 6-1168 FRIDAY, FEB. 20, 1976 Nisei Legislators Applaud President Japanese Activists Warn Against Releasing Names PROCLAMATION-President Ford is applauded after signing a proclama- tion at the White House Thursday, Feb. 19, teminating the executive order which led to the uprooting of more than 100,000 Japanese Americans. The order was signed by then Pres, Franklin D. Roosevelt on Feb. 19,1942 In above photo, I to r, are Carson City Clerk Helen Kawagoe, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, Representatives Patsy Mink, Norman Mineta, and Spark Matsu- naga, and Sen. Hiram L. Fong. UPI Telephoto S LEAGUE The New York NICHIBEI "Community Service Since 1945" 260 West Broadway, New York, N. Y. 10013 Thursday, February 26, 1976 I Executive Order 9066 is Rescinded; President Ford Signs Proclamation On Feb. 19, in a special cere- mony held in the presence of Jap- anese American members of Con- gress, President Gerald Ford is- sued a proclamation entitled "An American Promise" which official- ly and formally rescinded Execu- tive Order No. 9066, the document which authorized the wartime eva- CLSAN Nith Ber Times JAPANESE AMERICAN DAILY 198, San Francisco, Calif. 94119 Business: 921-6820, Editorial: 921-6822 Saturday, February 21, 1976 'Were Loyal Americans' Ford Rescinds E.O. 9066 y Calling it 'Natl Mistake' y e WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 at a ceremony attended by o (UPI) Exactly 34 years after leading Japanese Americans. al President Franklin D. Roosevelt "We know now that the e signed Executive Order 9066 executive order was wrong and 8 forcing 100,000 Japanese the Japanese Americans were Americans to be relocated from and are loyal," Ford said. n their homes, President Ford The end for the relocation 3, revoked the order, calling the camps was actually begun S action one "of our national late in 1944. At that time, i. mistakes." Maj. Gen. H. Conger Pratt, Signed 10 CCSAN FRANCISCO (co Nith Ber Times JAPANESE AMERICAN DAILY 3098, San Francisco, Calif. 94119 Business: 921-6820, Editorial: 921-6822 Friday, February 20,*1976 On Anniversary ... Ford Signs Rescission of Executive Order 9066 (Special to Nichi Bei Times) WASHINGTON. Feb. 19 - cabinet room with more than a Executive Order 9066. which score of nisei in attendance. gave the U. S. army authority E. 0. 9066 was signed to clear the West Coast of exactly 34 years ago to the Japanese Americans and in- day on Feb. 19, 1942. Thurs- tern them in World War II, day's ceremony culminated was officially and formally a move started last year by rescinded Friday. the Pacific Northwest JACL President Gerald Ford District Council which began to explore the possibility of WALL STREET JOURNAL FEBRUARY 20, 1976 About Time One of the fundamental problems World War II order under which si with government is an inertia about 112,000 Japanese-Americans were correcting past mistakes. The em- interned. Not that anyone wants to intern Japanese-Americans today phasis is always on new rules and but the continued existence of such g lews not motting rid of had old 2 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON February 18, 1976 PROCLAMATION FORMALLY TERMINATING EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066 WHICH LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF JAPANESE AMERICAN DETENTION CAMPS DURING WORLD WAR II Thursday, February 19, 1976 11:30 A.M. (15 minutes) Cabinet Room From: Myron B. Kuropas William J. Baroody, Jr B I. PURPOSE To formally recognize Executive Order 9066 as null and void and to affirm that the injustice visited upon the Japanese American community during World War II shall never be repeated. II. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS & PRESS PLAN A. Background: There has been considerable consternation among members of the Japanese American community that Executive Order 9066 which led to the internment of 112, 000 Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II, remains in effect to this day. In reality, Executive Order 9066 terminated with Proclamation No. 2714, which formally proclaimed the cessation of the hostilities of World War II on December 31, 1946. Nevertheless, the President, responding to Japanese American anxieties, felt it appropriate, in this our Bi-centennial year, to remove all doubt on the matter and to issue a separate proclamation which formally recognized these facts and which affirmed that such an injustice shall never be repeated. LIBRARY FORD GERALD -2- B. Participants: The Attorney General Director of Immigration & Naturalization Japanese American Senators & Congressmen Representatives of Leading Japanese American organizations (list attached) C. Press Plan: Full photo and press coverage for major newspapers as well as ethnic press. Possibility of in- clusion of President Ford proclamation at conclusion of "Farewell to Manzanar", NBC story depicting life in Japanese American detention camps scheduled for broadcast on March 11. WH photographer for individual photos III. TALKING POINTS 1. Today marks the 34th anniversary of Executive Order No. 9066. 2. Some 112, 000 Americans of Japanese descent were forcibly evacuated to detention camps suffering great personal loss as a result of this infamous Order. 3. As we celebrate our bicentennial, it is fitting and proper that we recognize our mistake and proclaim once and for all, without equivocation, that such a mistake should never be repeated. SERARY EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503 GENERAL COUNSEL FEB 13 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT D. LINDER Subject: Proposed proclamation to be issued on Febru- ary 19, 1976, relating to Japanese-Americans Enclosed is a proposed proclamation entitled "An American Promise.' It was prepared in this office, in consulta- tion with a representative of the White House Counsel's Office. The proposed proclamation would proclaim that the authority conferred by Executive Order No. 9066 of February 19, 1942, terminated on December 31, 1946. That Order authorized the issuance of military orders excluding any or all persons from designated military areas during World War II. It was used exclusively against persons of Japanese ancestry. Although that Order clearly has no legal vitality today, members of the Japanese-American community are troubled by the fact that it was never formally revoked. The proposed proclamation formally responds to that concern. Since that Order was an exercise of the President's power to prosecute World War II, it is clear that the military dangers addressed by that Order were formally terminated by Proclamation No. 2714 of December 31, 1946, which formally proclaimed the cessation of hostilities of World War II. The proposed proclamation formally acknowledges that the authority of Executive Order No. 9066 terminated with the issuance of that proclamation (No. 2714). COPY FOR MR. MYRON KUROPAS LIBRARY WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF PUBLIC LIAISON FORD GERALD 2 It could be said that the authority of Executive Order No. 9066 terminated at some earlier time; however, the date of Proclamation No. 2714 was chosen because it was a formal Presidential act, it clearly related to the hostilities against which Executive Order No. 9066 was addressed, and it fixes a date subsequent to the aboli- tion of the War Relocation Authority (by Executive Order No. 9742 of June 25, 1946) and subsequent to the revoca- tion of the exclusion orders (December 1944). An earlier date would be inappropriate since it would require a difficult factual analysis of historical events; and, an earlier date would be unnecessary to achieve the objective of assuring Japanese-Americans that Executive Order No. 9066 is no longer a viable authority. The proposed proclamation refers to Japanese surnames selected at random; however, an intentional effort was made to exclude surnames of political figures in order to preserve the proclamation as an appropriate document expressing Presidential concern for Japanese-Americans and Presidential concern for the liberty and justice for each American. Although the Japanese surnames were not chosen to refer to particular individuals, they were taken from real persons to ensure that the names would reflect sacrifices and contributions on the battlefield and at home. Copies of the sources for the surnames are enclosed. Time has not permitted formal clearance by the Department of Justice in accordance with the provisions of Executive Order No. 11030, as amended; however, an attorney in the Department of Justice who reviews proposed Executive orders and proclamations for form and legality has re- viewed this proposed proclamation and has informally advised that there is no legal objection to its issuance. It is our understanding that this proposed proclamation would be signed during a ceremony on February 19, 1976 - the 34th anniversary of Executive Order No. 9066. We urge that it be promptly presented for the President's consideration. LIBRARY FORD is GERALD 3 This proposed proclamation has the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (Signed) William M. Nichols William M. Nichols Acting General Counsel Enclosures LIBRARY FORD AN AMERICAN PROMISE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LIBRARY A PROCLAMATION FORD 076839 In this Bicentennial Year, we are commemorating the anniversary dates of many of the great events in American history. An honest reckoning, however, must include a recognition of our mistakes as well as our achievements. Being reminded of our mistakes is not pleasant, but as a great sage once admonished, we must do so if we want to avoid reliving them. February 19th is the anniversary of a poignantly sad day in American history. It was on that date in 1942, in the midst of the national trauma that began on December 7, 1941, that Executive Order No. 9066 was issued, resulting in the uprooting of loyal Americans, under the threat of a criminal statute enacted March 21, 1942. Over a hundred thousand persons of Japanese ancestry were driven from their homes, detained in special camps, and eventually relocated. The tremendous effort by the War Relocation Authority and concerned Americans for the welfare of these Japanese-Americans may add perspective to that story, but it does not diminish the blow dealt to liberty and justice. Fortunately, the Japanese- American community in Hawaii was spared the fate of those on our mainland. 2 We now know what we should have known then - not only was that evacuation wrong, but Japanese- Americans were and are loyal Americans. On the battle- field and at home, Japanese-Americans - names like Hamada, Mitsumori, Marimoto, Noguchi, Yamasaki, Kido, Hayakawa, Munemori and Miyamura - have been written in our history for the sacrifices and the contributions they have made to the well-being and security of this, our common Nation. The Executive order that was issued on February 19, 1942, was for the sole purpose of prosecuting the war with the Axis Powers, and ceased to be effective with the end of those hostilities. Because there was no formal statement of its termination, however, there is concern among many Japanese-Americans that there may yet be some life in that obsolete document. I think it appropriate, in this our Bicentennial Year, to remove all doubt on that matter, and to make clear our commitment in the future. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim that all the authority conferred by Executive Order No. 9066 terminated upon the issuance of Proclamation No. 2714, which formally proclaimed the cessation of the hostilities of World War II on December 31, 1946. 3 I call upon the American people to affirm with me, an American Promise - my trust that we have learned, from the darkness of that experience, to forever treasure liberty and justice for each American, and that it shall never happen again. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this day of , in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundredth. LIBRARY FORD it PROPOSED LIST OF INVITEES FOR SIGNING OF PROCLAMATION RELATING TO EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9066, 11:30 A.M. -- OVAL OFFICE, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1976 Governor George Ariyoshi Hon. Paul Bannai LEONARD FOHN CHAPMAN , USMC Ret. STEPHEN DOI WES DOI HON. HIRAM L. FONG ROSS HARANO DR. TERRY HAYASHI WAYNE HORIUCHI WILLIAM HOSOKAWA HON. DANIEL INOUYE HELEN KAWAGOE MITS KAWAMOTO JACK KUSABA WILLIAM MARUMOTO MICHUEL MASAOKA MARTIN MATSUDAIRA HON. SPARK MATSUNAGA HON. NORMAN Y. MINETA HON. PATSY T. MINK HARRY MIZUNO -2- FLOYD MORI GERRY MUKAI NOBORU NAKAMURA STEVEN NAKASHIMA JOSEPH L. RAUH, JR. JOE SAGAMI DALE SHIMASAKI SHIGEKI SUGIYAMA DAVID USHIO SUS UYEDA ED YAMAMOTA R. FORD LIBRARY PROPOSED LIST OF INVITEES FOR SIGNING OF PROCLAMATION RELATING TO EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9066, 11:30 A.M. -- OVAL OFFICE, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1976 Governor George Ariyoshi Hon. Paul Bannai LEONARD F. CHAPMAN Gen. USMC Ret. STEPHEN DOI WES DOI HON. HIRAM L. FONG ROSS HARANO DR. TERRY HAYASHI WAYNE HORIUCHI WILLIAM HOSOKAWA HON. DANIEL. INOUYE HELEN KAWAGOE MITS KAWAMOTO JACK KUSABA WILLIAM MARUMOTO FORD TREATY MICHUEL MASAOKA STATE MARTIN MATSUDAIRA HON. SPARK MATSUNAGA HON. NORMAN Y. MINETA HON. PATSY T. MINK HARRY MIZUNO -2- FLOYD MORI GERRY MUKAI NOBORU NAKAMURA STEVEN NAKASHIMA JOSEPH L. RAUH, JR. JOE SAGAMI DALE SHIMASAKI SHIGEKI SUGIYAMA DAVID USHIO SUS UYEDA ED YAMAMOTA FORD LIBRARY PROPOSED LIST OF INVITEES FOR SIGNING OF PROCLAMATION RELATING TO EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9066, 11:30 A.M. -- OVAL OFFICE, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1976 Governor George Ariyoshi Hon. Paul Bannai LEONARD F. CHAPMAN Gen. USMC Ret. STEPHEN DOI: WES DOI HON. HIRAM L. FONG ROSS HARANO DR. TERRY HAYASHI WAYNE HORIUCHI WILLIAM HOSOKAWA HON. DANIEL. INOUYE HELEN KAWAGOE MITS KAWAMOTO JACK KUSABA WILLIAM MARUMOTO MICHUEL MASAOKA FORD LIBRARY MARTIN MATSUDAIRA GERALD HON. SPARK MATSUNAGA HON. NORMAN Y. MINETA HON. PATSY T. MINK HARRY MIZUNO -2- FLOYD MORI GERRY MUKAI NOBORU NAKAMURA STEVEN NAKASHIMA JOSEPH L. RAUH, JR. JOE SAGAMI DALE SHIMASAKI SHIGEKI SUGIYAMA DAVID USHIO SUS UYEDA ED YAMAMOTA ORDER FORD LIBRARY THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON February 18, 1976 PROCLAMATION FORMALLY TERMINATING EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066 WHICH LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF JAPANESE AMERICAN DETENTION CAMPS DURING WORLD WAR II Thursday, February 19, 1976 11:30 A.M. (15 minutes) Cabinet Room From: Myron B. Kuropas It William J. Baroody, Jr B I. PURPOSE To formally recognize Executive Order 9066 as null and void and to affirm that the injustice visited upon the Japanese American community during World War II shall never be repeated. H. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS & PRESS PLAN A. Background: There has been considerable consternation among members of the Japanese American community that Executive Order 9066 which led to the internment of 112, 000 Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II, remains in effect to this day. In reality, Executive Order 9066 terminated with Proclamation No. 2714, which formally proclaimed the cessation of the hostilities of World War II on December 31, 1946. Nevertheless, the President, responding to Japanese American anxieties, felt it appropriate, in this our Bi-centennial year, to remove all doubt on the matter and to issue a separate proclamation which formally recognized these facts and which affirmed that such an injustice shall never be repeated. FORD LIBRARY R- GERALD -2- B. Participants: The Attorney General Director of Immigration & Naturalization Japanese American Senators & Congressmen Representatives of Leading Japanese American organizations (list attached) C. Press Plan: Full photo and press coverage for major newspapers as well as ethnic press. Possibility of in- clusion of President Ford proclamation at conclusion of "Farewell to Manzanar", NBC story depicting life in Japanese American detention camps scheduled for broadcast on March 11. WH photographer for individual photos III. TALKING POINTS 1. Today marks the 34th anniversary of Executive Order No. 9066. 2. Some 112, 000 Americans of Japanese descent were forcibly evacuated to detention camps suffering great personal loss as a result of this infamous Order. 3. As we celebrate our bicentennial, it is fitting and proper that we recognize our mistake and proclaim once and for all, without equivocation, that such a mistake should never be repeated. FORD LIBRARY 07/830 PROPOSED LIST OF INVITEES FOR SIGNING OF PROCLAMATION RELATING TO EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9066, 11:30 A.M. -- OVAL OFFICE, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1976 Governor George Ariyoshi Hon. Paul Bannai LEONARD F. CHAPMAN , USMC Ret. STEPHEN DOI WES DOI HON. HIRAM L. FONG ROSS HARANO DR. TERRY HAYASHI WAYNE HORIUCHI WILLIAM HOSOKAWA HON. DANIEL. INOUYE HELEN KAWAGOE MITS KAWAMOTO JACK KUSABA WILLIAM MARUMOTO FORD LIBRARY R. MICHUEL MASAOKA MARTIN MATSUDAIRA HON. SPARK MATSUNAGA HON. NORMAN Y. MINETA HON. PATSY T. MINK HARRY MIZUNO -2- FLOYD MORI GERRY MUKAI NOBORU NAKAMURA STEVEN NAKASHIMA JOSEPH L. RAUH, JR. JOE SAGAMI DALE SHIMASAKI SHIGEKI SUGIYAMA DAVID USHIO SUS UYEDA ED YAMAMOTA LIBRARY 1080 8 PROPOSED LIST OF INVITEES FOR RESCINDING EXECUTIVE ORDER #9066 1. The Honorable Hiram L. Fong LIBRARY 2. The Honorable Daniel L. Inouye R. 3. The Honorable Spark Matsunaga 4. The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta - 225-2631 5. The Honorable Patsy T. Mink Vern Loen 6. Mr. David Ushio cong. Liaison National Executive Director Japanese American Citizens League Nise: vets 1765 Sutter St. San Francisco, Cal. 94115 Additions 7. Mr. Shigeki Sugiyama National President Japanese American Citizens League 8319 Cushing Court Brddy Iwata Springfield, Va. 22153 1211 2nd Street 8. Mr. James Murakami Levingston, Calif. National President-Elect Japanese American Citizens League 95334 2134 Laguna Rd. Santa Rosa, Cal. 95401 9. Mr. Wayne Horiuchi Washington Representative Japanese American Citizens League 1730 Rhode Island Ave. #204 NW Washington, D. C. 20036 10. Mr. Bill Hosokawa Associate Editor Denver Post 140 S. Upham Court Denver, Colorado 80226 -2 - 11. Mr. Jack Kusaba Senior Vice President Sumitomo Bank of California 365 California St. San Francisco, California 94104 12. Mr. William Marumoto 1025 Connecticut S-907 INTERFACE GROUP LTD. Washington, D. C. 20036 13. Governor George Ariyoshi The Executive Office State of Hawaii Honolulu, Hawaii 14. Mr. Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. Counsel Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 15. Prof. Edwin O. Reischaur Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts Note: On March 11, NBC will show "Farewell to Manzanar", a story which concerns itself with the Japanese American experience during World War II. There's an outside chance NBC will agree to a closing statement indicating Executive Order #9066 was rescinded by President Gerald R. Ford on February 19th, the 34th anniversary of the Order. FORD LIBRARY R. DINNED PROPOSED LIST OF INVITEES FOR RESCINDING EXECUTIVE ORDER #9066 1. The Honorable Hiram L. Fong 2. The Honorable Daniel L. Inouye 3. The Honorable Spark Matsunaga 4. The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta 5. The Honorable Patsy T. Mink 6. Mr. David Ushio National Executive Director Japanese American Citizens League 1765 Sutter St. San Francisco, Cal. 94115 7. Mr. Shigeki Sugiyama National President Japanese American Citizens League 8319 Cushing Court Springfield, Va. 22153 8. Mr. James Murakami National President-Elect Japanese American Citizens League 2134 Laguna Rd. Santa Rosa, Cal. 95401 9. Mr. Wayne Horiuchi Washington Representative Japanese American Citizens League 1730 Rhode Island Ave. #204 NW Washington, D. C. 20036 RIFORD 1898813 10. Mr. Bill Hosokawa Associate Editor Denver Post 140 S. Upham Court Denver, Colorado 80226 -2 - 11. Mr. Jack Kusaba Senior Vice President Sumitomo Bank of California 365 California St. San Francisco, California 94104 12. Mr. William Marumoto 1025 Connecticut S-907 INTERFACE GROUP LTD. Washington, D. C. 20036 13. Governor George Ariyoshi The Executive Office State of Hawaii Honolulu, Hawaii 14. Mr. Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. Counsel Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 15. Prof. Edwin O. Reischaur Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts Note: On March 11, NBC will show "Farewell to Manzanar", a story which concerns itself with the Japanese American experience during World War II. There's an outside chance NBC will agree to a closing statement indicating Executive Order #9066 was rescinded by President Gerald R. Ford on February 19th, the 34th anniversary of the Order. FORD LIBRARY in GRAND SCHEDULE PROPOSAL DATE: February 12, 1976 FROM: Myron B. Kuropas THRU: William J. Baroody, Jr. VIA: William H. Nicholson MEETING: Signing of Proclamation formally recognizing Executive Order 9066 as null and void. DATE: Thursday, February 19, 1976 - the 34th anniversary of the original signing. PURPOSE: (1) To demonstrate to the Japanese-American community and to American society in general that the treatment afforded Japanese Americans during World War II will never be repeated. (2) To recognize the contributions of Japanese FORD LIBRER Americans to the war effort, especially the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of Japanese Americans which became the most decorated unit of its size in the history of the war. GERALD (3) To underscore the many contributions of the Japanese American community to the strength and vigor of this country. FORMAT: - location: The East Room. - participants: To include Japanese American Senators, Congressmen, community leaders and some 150 citizens. - expected length of participation: Approximately 30 minutes. CABINET The Honorable Edward H. Levi, The Attorney PARTICIPATION: General. SPEECH MATERIAL: To be provided by Bob Orben's office. PRESS COVERAGE: Full press, television and photo coverage. Possibility of TV videotape being attached to "Farewell to Manzanar, an NBC story depicting life in Japanese detention camps, scheduled for broadcast on March 11. STAFF: Myron B. Kuropas - 2 - RECOMMEND: William J. Baroody, Jr. Theodore c. Marrs Gwen Anderson OPPOSED: None PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION: None BACKGROUND: In a letter dated November 14, 1975, the Japanese American Citizens' League (JACL) formally requested President Gerald R. Ford to rescind Executive Order 9066 which led to the interment of some 100,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry in American relocation camps during World War II. The JACL letter was accompanied by letters of support from: The Honorable Hiram L. Fong The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye The Honorable Spark Matsunaga The Honorable Patsy T. Mink Mr. William Hosokawa, Associate Editor of the Denver Post Mr. Jack Kusaba, Senior Vice President, Sumitomo Bank of California Numerous other Japanese-American leaders. Earlier, some 200 Japanese Americans had written letters requesting a "rescinding" of the Executive Order. APPROVED DISAPPROVED 0803 LIBRARY NISEI The Quiet Americans BY BILL HOSOKAWA 11 H William Morrow and Company, Inc. NEW YORK 1969 FORD LIBRARY S 413 Proof in Blood at the cost of his own life and did much to clear the path for his company's victorious advance." The citation did not note that Munemori was a Kibei. He had advanced to technical sergeant when he was assigned to intelligence training at Camp Savage. There he asked for transfer to a combat unit even if it meant he had to "take a bust to buck private," and he was permitted to join the 442nd at Camp Shelby. A troop transport was named the U.S.S. Pvt. Sadao S. Munemori in his memory. One other Nisei has won the Medal of Honor. He is Sgt. Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura, who served briefly with the 442nd. Recalled into service for the Korean War, he was a member of the 7th Infantry Division when his company was attacked near Taejon-ni the night of April 24, 1951. His citation reads: "Corporal Miya- mura, a machine gun squad leader, aware of the imminent danger to his men, unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close, hand-to-hand combat, killing approximately IO of the enemy. Returning to his position, he administered first aid to the wounded and directed their evacuation as another savage assault hit the line. He manned his machine gun and delivered withering fire until his ammunition was expended. He ordered the squad to withdraw, while he remained behind to render the gun inoperative. He then bayoneted his way through infiltrated enemy soldiers to a second gun emplacement and assisted in its operation. When the intensity of the attack necessitated the withdrawal of the company, Corporal Miyamura ordered his men to fall back while he remained to cover their movement. He killed more than 50 of the enemy before his ammunition was depleted and he was severely wounded. He maintained his magnificent stand despite his painful wounds, continuing to repel the attack until his position was overrun. When last seen, he was fighting ferociously against an overwhelming number of enemy soldiers." Miyamura was captured and spent 29 months in a North Korean camp. Only after he was repatriated was it announced he had won the Medal of Honor. President Eisenhower decorated him in ceremonies at the White House in 1954. Miyamura operates a service station in Gallup, N.M. The annals of Nisei military history are replete with tales of similar heroism and it would be an injustice to relate some here and UNCLASSIFIED americans Japanie UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY Office of Research and Analysis THE JAPANESE-AMERICAN COMMUNITY 1. IMMIGRATION AND INTEGRATION 2. THE NISEI IN WORLD WAR II 3. THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS 4. SOME UNUSUAL JAPANESE-AMERICANS 5. JAPANESE-AMERICAN MISCELLANY 6. SOME JAPANESE-AMERICAN LEADERS U.S. INFORMATION AGENCY LIBRARY * "Americanism is a matter of mind and heart DOCUMENTS BRANCH Americanism is not, and never was, a matter 907 of race or ancestry." Walker-Johnson Bldg. --Franklin Delano Roosevelt Special Series No. L-4-59 August 24, 1959 UNCLASSIFIED - 7 - 4. SOME UNUSUAL JAPANESE-AMERICANS Hikozo Hamada: First Naturalized Japanese Hikozo Hamada, a 13-year-old orphan with a love of adventure, was the first Japanese to become a naturalized American citizen. Hamada signed on as a sailor aboard a Japanese junk in 1851. In describing the adventure that followed he later wrote: "I don't suppose I even dreamt of the existence of other lands. Or if I did, it was to pity the barbarians who, I may have heard, came every year or so to trade with us." Hamada met the "barbarians" under difficult circumstances. His junk was caught in a severe storm and was drifting helplessly when Hamada and the rest of the crew were rescued by the American bark "Auckland." Forty-four days later they went ashore at San Francisco. Hamada was adopted by Beverly C. Sanders, Collector of the Port of San Francisco, and took the name of Joseph Hecco. He was naturalized at the age of 21. Sanders took Hamada to Washington for an interview with President Franklin Pierce, who offered the boy an appointment to West Point. Writing of his interview with "the Supreme Governor of the Nation," Hamada said: "How could it be that the head man of a mighty nation like the United States of America should live in such a simple manner without any pomp or grandeur? Thus my thoughts ran on, since I knew not then the institutions of America and the manner of its government." Hamada died in Japan in 1897. On June 30, 1958, a celebration was held in Tokyo to observe the 100th anniversary of the granting of American citizenship to Hamada. Dr. Tokichi Takamine: Scientist, Champion of Cooperation Dr. Tokichi Takamine gained international honors for his discoveries in chemistry and was one of history's most effective advocates of Japanese- American cooperation. Dr. Takamine's greatest discovery was the isolation of adrenalin, the powerful heart stimulant, while working in the United States in 1901. He had previously introduced artificial phosphate fertilizer from the United States to Japan. He later invented and patented a process for producing diastase, a substance used as a medicine and as a fermenting agent. Leading American pharmaceutical firms produced and marketed his adrenalin and Taka-Diastase. - 15 - Attorneys and Jurists James Mitsumori: Assistant U.S. Attorney General Judge John Aiso: Los Angeles Municipal Court George T. Arai: Seattle attorney David T. Yokozeki: Los Angeles attorney and movie producer Entertainers Yuriko Amemiya: Ballet dancer. Top ballet role, "The King and I" Sono Osato: Ballet dancer Pat Suzuki: Singer. Star of "Flower Drum Song" Artists Yasuo Kuniyoshi (1893-1953): Artist. Founder and first president, Artists' Equity Association. Guggenheim Fellowship. Art teacher. Represented in major U.S. museums Isamu Noguchi: Sculptor and designer. Stage designs, furniture designs. Exhibits in U.S., Europe, Japan George Nakashima: Designer of modern furniture Yoichi Okamoto: Photo-journalist and lecturer in modern photography Jack Hirose: Advertising designer, Washington, D.C. Carl Iwasaki: Photographer Others Mike M. Masaoka: Washington, D.C., representative of the Japanese- American Citizens League Paul C. Takeda: Manager, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California Jokichi Takamine: Director, Takamine Laboratory, Clifton, N.J. Eben Takashi Takamine: Director, Takamine Corporation Col. George Morimoto, Col. Hugo S. Okonogi, Col. Frank Ikuno: U.S. Army Dr. James Goto: Los Angeles City Commissioner (1955) Takeo Momita: A director of Calpatria, California Chamber of Commerce Kenneth Nishamura: Sacramento, California Commander (1957), 25-post VFW District Council Wilford C. Tsukiyama: Hawaiian political leader, Republican, and Senator in the TH Legislature Mitsuyuki Kido: Hawaiian political leader, Democrat, and realtor Requested by: IBS/RC LIBRARY FORD GERALD SOME PROMINENT LIVING JAPANESE AMERICANS Artists, Architects, Photographers, etc. Azuma, Morio Artist, Printmaker. Born in Mie-ken, Japan in 1928, Mr. Azuma came to the U.S. in 1955 with a scholarship to the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, Grants from the Ford Foundation and the Japan Society made possible further study in New York where Mr. Asuma continues to reside. His serigraphs (original silk- screen prints) are to be found in several major American Museum Collections (The Art Institute of Chicago, Brooklyn and Cleveland Museums, Library of Congress, etc.) and he has developed a new technique -- printing on canvas rather than paper -- which has proved popular with American collectors. Mr. Azuma's prints have hung in the White House. Coto, Joseph Sculptor. Hawaiian born Joseph Goto learned the craft of welding while repairing barges and water tanks for Army and Navy engineers during World War II. Arriving in Chicago in 1947 to study painting, he discovered an allergy to turpentine which forced him to turn to sculpture instead as an outlet for his talent. His welded metal sculpture is to be found in many important public and private collections and the eminent critic Dore Ashton has called him "one of the few mature and forseful sculptors of his generation." Nakashima, George Designer and furniture manufacturer. A native of Seattle, Washington, Mr. Nakashima now resides in New Hope, Pa., where he designs and makes furniture to order. Some of his designs are also manufactured by Knoll Associates. He has received many honors, among them the craftsmanship medal of the American Institute of Architects. Noguchi, Isamu Sculptor. Born in Los Angeles, Nov. 7, 1904. Nogushi's work may be found in the permanent collections of such distinguished institutions as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art. He is a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters. Okamoto, Yoichi Photographer. Born in Yonkers and a graduate of Colgate University, Mr. Okamoto began his career on the Syracuse Post-Standard newspaper. During World War II he served as photographic officer for General Mark Clark. In 1954 he joined the USIA Washington staff and in August of 1961 he covered a trip made by then Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. When Mr. Johnson became President, Okamoto was assigned to the White House where he photographed and amassed the most extensive pictorial record of any administration in history. Okamura, Arthur Painter. Born at Long Beach, California, Feb. 24, 1932. Studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and at Yale. Okamura has had several one-man shows at major West Coast miseums, among them the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco (1961) and the Oakland Museum of Art (1959). Yamasaki, Minoru Architect. Born in Seattle, Dec. 1, 1912. Yamasaki is a partner in the Detroit firm of Yamasaki, Leinweber and Associates. Since 1949, when the firm was established, he has designed many buildings, among them the widely praised McGregor Conference Center on the Wayne State University campus and the Reynolds Metals Co. Building (both included in the Agency's "Architecture USA" exhibit). Yanasaki has won numerous awards and prizes both here and abroad. He designed the U.S. Science Pavillion at the Seattle World's Fair and his New York World Trade Center is now under construction.. For the Voice of America Forum Series, Mr. Yamasaki discussed "American Architecture and the Traditional Architecture of Japan." Business and Professional Men Ishikawa, Samuel Public Relations Consultant. Born, Oakland, California, 1922; educated Earlham College (A.B.) and Harvard University. Mr. Ishikava has worked for the American Friends Service Committee and the Japanese American Citizens League. He is currently the New York based partner of Masaoka-Ishikawa and Associates which handles American public relations matters for many major Japanese companies. Takahashi, Frank Yasushi Chicago Accountant. Born, Santa Monica, California, Dec. 28, 1918. President, Gal, Takahashi and Co., CPA's 1949 -- Director, Admiral Steel Corp., La Salle St. Investment Advisors Inc., Hyde Park Fed. Savings and Loan, etc. Auditor, Village of Alsip, ILL., 1952-58. Active in community affairs, Chicago. Tsukahira, Toshio George Foreign Service Officer. Born at Los Angeles, Dec. 22, 1915. Educated at UCLA and Harvard (PhD, 1951). Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Dr. Tsubahira taught history at Harvard and the University of California. From 1955 to 1960 he served as a research specialist at the State Department, and then joined the Foreign Service and was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. He has served in Japan in various capacities since that time and is currently the principal officer at Fukucks. Community Leaders Encrato, Jerry J. National President of the Japanese-American Citizens League, 1966-70. Born in San Francisco, nov lives in Sacramento, where he is Chief of Classification Services at the Central Office of the California Department of Corrections. Kido, Saburo Los Angeles attorney and former publisher of "Shin Hichibei." Recently awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure 4th class by the government of Japan for service in promoting Japanese culture, economy and understanding, Mr. Kido was one of the founders of the Japanese American Citizens League, Masaoka, Mike Lobbyist. Born in Fresno, California, 1915; educated University of Utah (B.A., 1937). Mr. Masaoka is the author of the Japanese American Creed (Congressional Record May 9, 1941) and has headed the Washington Office of the Japanese American Citizens League since his discharge from the U.S. Army in 1945. He has been influential in achieving many of the legislative goals of that organization and he was recently awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd class, one of the highest orders the Japanese government can bestow, for "his great contribution in the field of civil rights and equal social status for Japanase in the United States and Americans of Japanese ancestry." Mr. Masaoka is a partner in the Public Relations firm of Masaoka, Ishikawa and Associates which has offices in Washington and New York City. Miyamura, Hiroshi Congressional Medal of Honor Winner for "indomitable heroism" demonstrated in Korea in April 1951. Miyamura spent 28 months in a North Korean prison camp, and it was only upon his release that the announcement of the eward was made. He is a native of Gallup, New Mexico. Togasaki, Kiyoshi President of Rotary International, with headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. Mr. Togaseld has been described as a "world citizen." He was born in San Francisco, educated at the University of California, but has lived much of his adult life in Japan (due to pre-war American immigration restrictions against his Japanese-born wife). In Japan Gakushuin he became president and chairman of the English Language Japan Times, a director of the Japanese Newspaper Editors and Publishers Associa- tion, a trustee of Gakushium University in Tokyo and honorary chairman of the Board of Trustees of International Christian University. In 1966 he vas decorated by the Japanese government for his contimuing work in furthering Japanese-American relations. 15 Scholars, Educators Coto, Y. (asuo) Baron Educator and consultant to governments and industry. Formerly Senior Professor of Agriculture, University of Hawaii, now Vice Chancellor, the Institute of Technical Interchange of the East West Center, Honolulu, Dr. Goto vas born in Japan in 1901, came to the United States in 1902, and was naturalized in 1945. He has served as Alternate U.S. Commissioner on the South Pacific Commission since 1964. Hayakawa, S. (amuel) I. (chiye) Acting President, San Francisco State College. Dr. Hayakawa's scholarly field is Semantics. He has been Editor of ETC: A Review of General Semantics since 1943, and is the author of many books in the field, among them Language in Action and Symbol, Status and Personality. (nota: Dr. Hayakawa came to the U.S. in 1929 from Canada where he was born. He lives in San Francisco but may still retain Canadian citizenship). Masaoka, Joe Grant Administrator, the Japanese American Research Project, University of California at Los Angales. (For a discussion of the project see p.8. Tsuneishi, Warren Librarian, scholar. Dr. Tsuneishi, Chief of the Orientalia Division of the Library of Congress, holds advanced degrees in Japanese literature, librarianship, and political science from Columbia and Yale Universities. In his present position he has custody of the largest collection of Chinese and Japanese materials outside the Orient. Dr. Tsuneishi came to the Library of Congress from the Yale University Library where he vas curator of the East Asian Collection. His book, Jacanese Political Style: An Introduction to the Government and Politics of Modern Japan, was published by Harper's in 1966. Yamagiwa, Joseph K. University Professor. Born at Seattle, Sept. 9, 1906, Dr. Yamagiwa holds a Ph.D from the University of Michigan (1942) and has been a member of its faculty since 1937. He has served as Chairman of its Department of Far Eastern Languages and Literatures and as Director of the Linguistic Institute. He is author of many books and articles on the Japanese language, Dr. Yamagiwa was Educational Director of the Army's Japanese Language School from 1943 to 1946, and has subsequently lectured abroad and participated in various inter- national conferences. LIBRARY PACIFI JAC NATIONAL ITIZEN Membership Publication: Japanese American Citizens League, 125 Weller St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90012; (213) MA 6-6936 Published Weekly Except First and Last Weeks of the Year Second Class Postage Paid at Los Angeles, Calif. VOL. 82 NO. 8 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1976 Subscription Rate per Year 15 CENTS U.S. $7. Foreign $11 Exec. Order 9066 erased (Special to The Pacific Citizen) panese American Citizens In accepting the proclama- WASHINGTON - President League, only national organ- tion on behalf of the 30,000 Nisei civil service worker seeks Gerald R. Ford formally re- ization representing Amer- JACL members, Sugiyama scinded Executive Order 9066 icans of Japanese ancestry. It expressed gratitude to Mr. of 1942 in a proclamation was accepted by JACL na- Ford for his understanding of signed this past week (Feb. tional president Shigeki J. Su- the need to officially and pub- retirement credit for stay in camp 19) before a group of Japa- giyama, Springfield, Va.; na- licly rescind Executive Order nese American leaders who tional executive director Dav- 9066 and for his recognition witnessed the signing in the id E. Ushio, San Francisco; as the Nation's chief execu- Cabinet Room of the White and Washington Representa- tive of the grave and sad mis- OAKLAND, Calif.-A number ent law which only provides ) of bills appear in Congress credit to any federal em- calling for crediting of time ployee as of July 15, 1952. spent by Japanese Americans Public support is needed, in World War II internment Ono said, to get the measure and detention camps under onto the floor. Those wishing the Federal Civil Service Re- to seek additional information tirement System, according to may write him at 3814 Ran- Rep. Norman Mineta (D- dolph Ave., Oakland 94602, or ) Calif.). who is author of one, with any of the legislators HR 8823. who have introduced bills on was Long Overdue, Long By BILL HOSOKAWA WASHINGTON-The United States is a nation After the signing President Ford shook hands governed by laws. Sometimes the law, as Mr. This opinion column is by The Denver Post's with each of some 25 prominent Japanese Bumble said in Charles Dickens' Pickwick associate editor. Americans who had come to Washington for the Papers, "is a ass, a idiot." ceremony. individual American, and resolve that this kind of Among them were doctors and lawyers and The law known as Executive Order 9066 falls in action shall never again be repeated." architects, two members of the California state that category. legislature where historically some of the most FEB 26 1976 Japanese american JACL CITIZENS LeaGUe UNITY NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS: 1765 Sutter Street San Francisco, California 94115 (415) 921-5225 REGIONAL OFFICES: Washington, D.C./Chicago/San Francisco/Los Angeles/Portland/Fresno THROUGH David E. Ushio, National Executive Director February 24, 1976 Mr. Myron Kuropas Special Assistant to the President The White House Washington, D. C. Dear Myron: On behalf of the National Japanese American Citizens League may I express our deep appreciation for the work that you did in making the repeal of Executive Order 9066 a reality and a success. I am sure that President Ford made many thousands of friends in the Japanese American and Asian American communities when he rescinded EO 9066 this past week. His comments were carried nationally both on network news and AP and UPI wires. We have received many comments and clippings from throughout the United States from friends within our organization indicating that their local newspapers and TV and radio stations played extensively this ceremony. From a public relations standpoint I think that this particular event was a smashing success. I know that this could never have come about except for your participation and your special concern in this area. I want you to know, Myron, that we really appreciate what you did to make this all happen. I hope that we can get copies of the various photographs that have been taken at this event and also about 500 copies of the official proclamation which we can distribute to many of the friends and supporters of the Japanese American Citizens League throughout the nation. I would like to follow up also with you regarding a filmed greeting from the President of the United States to our National Convention in Sacramento as we discussed. I look forward to a long and pleasant relationship with you in your efforts at the White House. With warmest personal regards and deepest admiration. Sincerely, FORD & LIBRARY Dane David Ushio National Executive Director DEU:gy CC: Wayne Horiuchi Better Americans in a Greater America FEB 25 1976 WASHINGTON OFFICE JACL JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE THROUGH UNITYD 1730 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE. N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036 (202) 223-1240 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS. JACL DAVID E. USHIO, NATIONAL DIRECTOR 1765 POST STREET WAYNE K. HORIUCHI SAN FRANCISCO. CALIFORNIA 94115 WASHINGTON REPRESENTATIVE (415) 921-5225 February 23, 1976 Dr. Myron Kuropas Special Assistant to the President on Ethnic Affairs The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Myron, On behalf on the Japanese American Citizens League, I wanted to thank you for your highly committed effort and support which you gave to us in terminating the authority of Executive Order 9066. You were a substantial part of that historical event which meant so much to Japanese Americans. Only an individual who is sensitive and concerned about ethnics and minorities, such as yourself, could have done such an effective job. Please continue the good work. JACL is proud to have such a friend. All good things to you, Wayne K. Horiuchi FORD LIBRASY Washington Representative WKH/llc FOR BETTER AMERICANS IN A GREATER AMERICA THE PRESIDENT 7741 PROCLAMATION 4417 An American Promise By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In this Bicentennial Year, we are commemorating the anniversary dates of many of the great events in American history. An honest reckoning, however, must include a recognition of our national mistakes as well as our national achievements. Learning from our mistakes is not pleasant, but as a great philosopher once admonished, we must do so if we want to avoid repeating them. February 19th is the anniversary of a sad day in American history. It was on that date in 1942, in the midst of the response to the hostilities that began on December 7, 1941, that Executive Order No. 9066 was issued, subsequently enforced by the criminal penalties of a statute enacted March 21, 1942, resulting in the uprooting of loyal Americans. Over one hundred thousand persons of Japanese ancestry were removed from their homes, detained in special camps, and eventually relocated. The tremendous effort by the War Relocation Authority and concerned Amer- icans for the welfare of these Japanese-Americans may add perspective to that story, but it does not erase the setback to fundamental American principles. Fortunately, the Japanese-American community in Hawaii was spared the indignities suffered by those on our mainland. We now know what we should have known then-not only was that evacuation wrong, but Japanese-Americans were and are loyal Americans. On the battlefield and at home, Japanese-Americans-names like Hamada, Mitsumori, Marimoto, Noguchi, Yamasaki, Kido, Munemori and Miyamura-have been and continue to be written in our history for the sacrifices and the contributions they have made to the well-being and security of this, our common Nation. The Executive order that was issued on February 19, 1942, was for the sole purpose of prosecuting the war with the Axis Powers, and ceased to be effective with the end of those hostilities. Because there was no formal statement of its termination, however, there is concern among many Japanese-Americans that there may yet be some life in that obsolete document. I think it appropriate, in this our Bicentennial Year, to remove all doubt on that matter, and to make clear our commitment in the future. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim that all the authority conferred by Executive Order No. 9066 terminated upon the issuance of Proclamation No. 2714, which formally proclaimed the cessation of the hostilities of World War II on December 31, 1946. I call upon the American people to affirm with me this American Promise-that we have learned from the tragedy of that long-ago experience forever to treasure. liberty and justice for each individual American, and resolve that this kind of action \shall never again be repeated. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundredth. Gerall R. Ford [FR .76-5141 Filed 2-19-76;1:27 pm] FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 41, NO. 35-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1976 Stories appeared on: ABC and CBS Evening News and the Today Show on February 19 and 20, 1976 Stories also ran in most every major newspaper in the country 1 The Washington Post ANINDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1976 Ford Ends WW II Relocation Order Pledging that this kind of error shall never be made again," President Ford yesterday formally lifted the executive order that sent 112,000 Japanese- Americans into relocation camps during World War II. LIBRARY GERALD FORM THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1976 REVIEW & OUTLOOK About Time One of the fundamental problems World War II order under which with government is an inertia about 112,000 Japanese-Americans were correcting past mistakes. The em- interned. Not that anyone wants to intern Japanese-Americans today phasis is always on new rules and but the continued existence of such THE SUN BALTIMORE, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1976 AP President Ford shakes hands with Senator Daniel Inouye (D., Hawaii) before signing pro- clamation nullifying World War II internment order. Others from left are Attorney Gen- eral Edward Levi, Representative Patsy Mink (D., Hawaii) and two unidentifed men. Internment order is nullified Washington (AP)-President Ford yester- Truman declared the end of World War II hos- day signed a proclamation that he said should tilities, which effectively nullified the order. have been enacted years ago nullifying the But some Japanese-Americans were concerned WASHINGTON OFFICE JACL JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE UNITYD 1730 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE. N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036 (202) 223-1240 FORD NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS. JACL DAVID E. USHIO-NATIONAL DIRECTOR 1765-POST STREET WAYNE K. HORIUCHI R. SAN FRANCISCO. CALIFORNIA 94115 WASHINGTON REPRESENTATIVE GERALD (415) 921-5225 February 19, 1976 PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD SIGNS PROCLAMATION RESCINDING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9066 Today in special ceremonies in the Cabinet Room of the White House President Gerald R. Ford issued a proclamation entitled, "An American Promise," which officially and formally rescinded Executive Order No. 9066. President Ford presented the proclamation to the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) the only national organization representing Americans of Japanese ancestry. The National JACL's top officials, National President Mr. Shigeki Sugiyama of Springfield, Virginia, National Executive Director David Ushio of San Francisco, and Washington Representative Wayne Horiuchi of Washington, D. C. accepted the proclamation on behalf of the JACL. They were joined by leading members of the Japanese American community, including national, state and local Japanese American elected officials, Japanese American community and business leaders from throughout the United States. The rescinding of Executive Order 9066 comes on the 34th anniversary of the day in 1942 when President Roosevelt initially issued this instrument which provided for the forced internment of more than 110,000 United States residents, three-fourths of whom FOR BETTER AMERICANS IN A GREATER AMERICA Page two Press Release were American Citizens. In accepting President Ford's proclamation, Mr. Sugiyama, speaking on behalf of the 30,000 members of the Japanese American Citizens League and on behalf of more than 600,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry, expressed gratitude to President Ford for his understanding of the need to officially and publicly rescind the Executive Order and for his recognition as the Nation's chief executive of the grave and sad mistake which occurred through the issuance of this Order. Mr. Sugiyama also indicated his deep regret that well over three decades | had to have passed before the Executive Order 9066 was officially rescinded. "Nevertheless", Mr. Sugiyama said, "if we had to have waited this long for a formal statement of its termination, it is fitting that it should occur during our National Bicentennial Year. While Executive Order 9066 was a bitter tragedy for the Japanese Americans, it was also a grievous stain on the fabric of our entire National heritage. For this reason all Americans, regardless of ancestry or ethnic origin, can feel a sense of gratitude in the issuance of President Ford's proclamation." Many of the civic leaders who gathered in the Cabinet Room to witness the signing of the proclamation were among the victims of Executive Order 9066 including Dr. Terry T. Hayashi of Berkeley, California who today at age 85 is still practicing dentistry in California. Dr. Hayashi recalled "In looking back to those early days following the outbreak of war between the United States and Japan we can see that President Roosevelt took the action he did in a time of great National trauma and in a climate of a curious hysteria. In closer examination and in reflection on our National character we can also perceive that there was a critical degree of racism in Page three Press Release the attitudes of the time during which President Roosevelt felt compelled to issue his Order. Some may say that today there is no need for an official recision of the Order in that its legal authority was ended with the conclusion of the hostilities of World War II on December 31, 1946. "However, the experience of the Japanese Americans denies this, for Executive Order 9066 was in actuality the greatest single abridge- ment of civil rights and human liberties to occur in this century. Japanese Americans, like all minorities have suffered the bitter sting and stigma of racism, fear and denial of opportunity. With the forced relocation of 110,000 men, women and children, American citizens of Japanese heritage suffered enormous economic loss. It is generally concluded that less than 10% of the actual value of their property was ever restored." "Beyond this", according to Wayne Horiuchi, JACL Washington Representative, who worked closely with the White House in planning this event, " these loyal Americans endured imprisonment, physical deprivation, enormous emotional stress and the day-to-day squalor of the internment camps, many of which were located in the most inhospitable regions of this country. More than anything else, however, these Americans suffered the incalcuable humiliation of being considered as traitors to their country. This, despite the fact that not a single incident of treason or sabatoge on the part of a Japanese American was ever recorded throughout World War II. This, despite the fact, that more than 25,000 Japanese Americans served with great distinction in the United States Armed Forces during the War. Indeed the 442 Combat Team, an all-Japanese American fighting unit in Europe, suffered more casualties and won more citations for valor than any other unit Page four Press Release Of comparable size and length of service in the Army's history. " Japanese American Army veterans of the 442 Regimental Combat Team present at the White House ceremony included U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Congressman Spark Matsunaga, Mr. Joe Sagami, an official of the Nisei veterans organization, Mr. Paul Bannai, a California State Assemblyman, Mr. Mike Masaoka, who had the distinction of being the first person to volunteer for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II. Not all those present at the ceremony could remember the tragedy of World War II from first hand experience. David E. Ushio, the National Executive Director of JACL was born at the conclusion of World War II in 1945. Now as the staff executive of the 100 chapter National human rights group, Ushio remarks, "Young people continually ask me how such a thing could have occurred in America. Yet American history repeatedly indicates to us how fragile our liberties and constitutional guarantees can be and continue to be for many groups in America. Because Japanese Americans have experienced a blatant disregard for our civil rights, we have even a greater obligation to protect the rights of all persons when they are threatened." Ushio continued, "Because the scars of these old wounds remain to this day, it has been of surpassing importance to every Japanese American Citizen that Executive Order 9066 be officially rescinded. Patriotism is a love of one's country, but with this love must come the responsibility to acknowledge our errors when they have occurred and to take every measure possible FORD LIBRARY GERALD Page five Press Release not only to correct these errors but to erradicate the very means by which they occurred. This has now been done and we can now focus on the future of our great Nation and reaffirm those values and traditions which have contributed to America's greatness. In this endeavor, as we begin America's third century, I want it to be known that every American of Japanese heritage is fully dedicated to this grand enterprise." "30" PROPOSED LIST OF INVITEES FOR SIGNING OF PROCLAMATION RELATING TO EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 9066, 11:30 A.M. -- OVAL OFFICE, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1976 Governor George Ariyoshi - Honolulu, Hawaii Hon. Paul Bannai - Gardena, California STEPHEN DOI- San Francisco, California WES DOI- San Francisco, California HON. HIRAM L. FONG - Honolulu, Hawaii ROSS HARANO - Chicago, Illinois DR. TERRY HAYASHI - Berkeley, California WAYNE HORIUCHI - Washington, D.C. WILLIAM HOSOKAWA - Denver, Colorado HON. DANIEL . INOUYE - Honolulu, Hawaii HELEN KAWAGOE - Carson City, California MITS KAWAMOTO - Omaha, Nebraska JACK KUSABA - San Francisco, California WILLIAM MARUMOTO - Washington, D.C. MICHUEL MASAOKA - Washington, D.C. MARTIN MATSUDAIRA - Seattle, Washington HON. SPARK MATSUNAGA- Honolulu, Hawii HON. NORMAN Y. MINETA - San Jose, California HON. PATSY T. MINK- Waipahu, Hawaii HARRY MIZUNO- Chicago, Illinois -2 FLOYD MORI - Pleasanton, Illinois GERRY MUKAI - Salt Lake City, Utah NOBORU NAKAMURA- - Orinda, California STEVEN NAKASHIMA- - San Jose, California JOSEPH L. RAUH, JR. - Washington, D.C. JOE SAGAMI - Chicago, Illinois DALE SHIMASAKI- Haywood, California SHIGEKI SUGIYAMA - Springfield, Virginia DAVID USHIO - San Francisco, California SUS UYEDA- Washington, D.C. ED YAMAMOTA - Moses Lake, Washington FORD LIBRARY GERALD